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Alderman honour for long-serving former Allerdale councillors

Two long-standing civic figures are to be honoured for their significant work in the community.

Maureen Rourke and Jim Musgrave

Serving Allerdale councillors will be asked next week to make former councillors Jim Musgrave and Maureen Rourke, who have more than 50 years of service between them, honorary aldermen.

Mr Musgrave was leader of the council between 2003 and 2007, as well as holding various roles during his 34 years of service.

These were vice-chairman, chairman, executive portfolio holder for leisure and deputy leader. He was 69-years-old when he took over the top seat.

Maureen Rourke served as an Allerdale councillor between 1987 to 2007, holding positions of mayor and executive portfolio holder for environment, housing and environmental health.

Sharon Sewell, the council’s head of governance and monitoring officer, said: “The appointment of honorary alderman is to confer recognition on members who, over a period of time, made a significant contribution to the council in particular, and public service in general.”

If two thirds of the borough’s councillors vote in favour of the recommendation on Wednesday night, the two will be honoured at a ceremony following the full council meeting.

The role is seen as a mark of respect, with the holders having no formal role, although they may take part in some civic ceremonies.

The last time the title was bestowed on five former councillors was nearly two years ago for Jack Fryer, JMercia Haughan, Jim Hully, Joe Milburn and Joan Minto.